Lina's POV
The soft glow of the setting sun cast a warm, golden light through the windows of our luxurious flat. It was Friday night, and instead of preparing for our usual lady's night with my flatmates, I found myself packing a bag for a weekend in the woods that none of us were looking forward to. But I couldn't bear to deny Melissa's wish. After all, living in this lavish apartment was a privilege I could never afford on my own. Melissa's family covered the rent, as long as I worked as her personal assistant, therapist, maid, and whatever else she needed.
I felt grateful to have been taken in by my flatmates and fortunate enough to live near the university and my job in such comfort. So when Melissa demanded that I accompany her to her engagement party, I couldn't refuse, especially seeing how upset she was. When I first moved in, I noticed that Melissa often threw wild parties and skipped out on class more often than not. Initially, I didn't approve of her behavior, but over time I learned her real reason for coming to Wolfsville – to find her soulmate.
Though I still didn't understand her methods or plans for achieving this goal, I had to admit that she went to great lengths to avoid an arranged marriage set up by her parents back home. They had given her until age 26 to find love on her own before forcing her into a betrothal. My heart ached for her situation and that's how I ended up reluctantly packing for this trip.
What confused me most was why Melissa believed that my presence at her engagement party would make any difference in her search for love. At first, she wasn't thrilled about having another flatmate but soon after meeting me, she insisted that we go out together often because she had a feeling that I would lead her to her soulmate. She even rearranged some of her classes to spend more time with me. As I expected, my presence had no magical effect on her love life, but once again, I couldn't refuse her plea for help. Hopefully, she would have better luck this time around. I would hate to see her marry someone she didn't even like just to appease her parents.
I never felt at ease in social situations, so when Melissa told me to pack an evening gown, I grew even more anxious. I settled on a simple dress I had worn to my high school prom – neutral and unremarkable. Despite my nerves, I tried to focus on the positives of the trip. We would be staying in one of the luxurious cabins near the lake, so I made sure to pack my workout gear and swimsuit. At least I could explore another part of Wolfsville and keep an eye out for any potential romantic distractions. After all, as a student in the Tourism and Leisure Department, it was important for me to stay updated on developments in the area. Plus, perhaps this trip would help take my mind off of Mr. Lowell, and maybe I would even meet someone who could offer some helpful advice. So while this weekend may not have been ideal, it certainly wasn't all bad either.
I meticulously packed my belongings, taking care to fold and roll each item with precision. Melissa, on the other hand, seemed to have thrown her entire wardrobe into her suitcase without any thought. Sarah and Joy exchanged a knowing look as they glanced at her massive suitcase. "Looks like we'll be helping you with those," I said with a grin. "After all, I had to pack for the four of us," Melissa laughed.
We loaded our things into the trunk of the car and began our journey to the cabins in silence. The weight of anticipation hung heavy in the air as we thought about what would happen at the engagement party. I watched the landscape pass by outside my window, taking in the endless rows of trees and glimpses of the river and lake that accompanied us along the way. We had been driving for what felt like hours, but there was no end in sight to the vast forest surrounding us.
As we approached the designated cabins, located just outside of the national park, I was struck by their grandeur and size. Even though I was used to luxury cabins from my work projects, this one was particularly impressive. Joy, who drove us here, was the first one out of the car, exclaiming "Freedom at last!" Sarah quickly followed, asking for the location of the bathroom. I couldn't help but echo her question.
Melissa took charge and assigned us each a suite - two on this floor and four on the second floor. The cabin was spacious and luxurious, with high ceilings and large windows that flooded the rooms with natural light. After unpacking and cooking a meal together, we found ourselves lounging on a comfortable couch, laughing and enjoying each other's company. Despite still having time before the party started, Melissa reminded us to start getting ready.
I chose one of the suites on this floor and took my time getting ready, reveling in the peacefulness and beauty of my surroundings. As I finished putting on my makeup and doing my hair, I could hear the soft murmurs of my friends from their own rooms. Finally, we all emerged looking our best, excited for what the night would bring.